A new study from Harvard University has raised important questions about whether eating eggs might be linked to a higher risk of certain cancers, especially those related to hormones—like breast, ovarian, and fatal prostate cancer.
Eggs are known for being a healthy and affordable food packed with protein, vitamins, and good fats. But this research suggests that for some people, eating a lot of eggs might come with hidden risks.
The study, published in the *British Journal of Nutrition*, was led by researcher N. Keum and a group of scientists. They used a method called dose-response meta-analysis to look at data from many previous studies. This helped them understand whether eating more eggs changes the risk of developing specific types of cancer.
Their findings showed that women who ate five or more eggs per week had a higher chance of developing breast or ovarian cancer than women who rarely or never ate eggs. In men, eating five eggs a week did not seem to raise the risk of getting prostate cancer overall, but it was linked to a higher risk of dying from it if they did get the disease.
The researchers were clear: eating eggs does not directly cause cancer. However, their results do suggest there could be a connection that should be studied more closely.
Many other things may affect cancer risk too, like a person’s overall diet, genes, lifestyle, and environment. The study simply points to a pattern that needs more attention.
So why might eggs be linked to hormone-related cancers? While eggs offer many health benefits, they also contain cholesterol and other compounds that may influence hormone levels or cell growth. These changes in the body could play a role in how some cancers develop.
In the past, some studies have hinted that eggs might affect cancers tied to sex hormones, but the results were mixed. This new research is important because it looks at a large group of people and focuses on how the number of eggs eaten per week may matter.
The takeaway from this study is not that everyone should stop eating eggs. Instead, it suggests that people should think about how many eggs they eat, especially if they have a family history of hormone-related cancers like breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer.
If you’re worried or have other risk factors, it may be helpful to talk with your doctor or a dietitian. They can help you make healthy food choices that fit your needs.
This study is part of a growing body of research that looks at how everyday foods may affect long-term health. While diet is only one part of cancer prevention, studies like this help people make better-informed decisions.
For now, it’s best to focus on a balanced diet with a variety of foods, not too much of any one thing, and to keep paying attention to new research as it becomes available.
If you care about cancer, please read studies about Researchers find a new cause of cancer and findings of Scientists make a big breakthrough in prostate cancer treatment.
For more information about cancer, please read studies about Research finds a new cause of cancer growth and findings of Scientists find the missing link between autoimmune diseases and blood cancer.
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